After two long weeks with no Xbox Live Arcade game (Lumines packs don't count) we needed some gaming refreshment. Lucky for us, someone at MS must have heeded our call and will be serving up a frosty mug of Root Beer Tapper this Wednesday. For those unfamiliar with Root Beer Tapper, the game finds you serving up mugs of (you guessed it) root beer to thirsty customers (the original Tapper actually had you serving beer instead). Having done this, you must catch empty mugs before they slide off the bar. It's a hectic game that exemplifies the simple rules and escalating challenge that typified arcade games in the 1980s. The Xbox Live Arcade release adds high definition support (if you can call it that), leaderboards, and new Live and local co-op modes. The game will be available on Wednesday for 400 points.We're not sure whether or not this game is "classic" or merely another retro release that we could do without. We've got some fond memories of Root Beer Tapper, but we're not sure that we're ready to pony up 400 MS points for it yet. As always, you'll want to try the demo before you buy.
Feb. 5, 2007
Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays Serves Up "Root Beer Tapper"
Order up bottomless, frothy fun this Xbox Live® Arcade Wednesday with "Root Beer Tapper" from Digital Eclipse and Midway. Impatient patrons cannot get enough of the revitalized carbonated beverage classic, and neither will gamers. "Root Beer Tapper" will be available for download on Xbox Live Arcade for Xbox 360™ beginning Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 9 a.m. GMT (1 a.m. PST).
Updated to support a high-definition soda shop experience, "Root Beer Tapper" puts players behind the bar, face-to-face with salivating customers. They must ensure that patrons' root beer mugs are filled to the brim or risk losing a job. Great service with a smile, on the other hand, can earn players extra points in the form of tips.
You can attempt the thirst-quenching thrill game alone, or tap into multiplayer mode to stave off parched cowboys, athletes, punk rockers and even a few aliens. The best bartender can boast his or her score on the Xbox Live Leaderboards.
"Root Beer Tapper" will be available worldwide (excluding Korea and Japan) for 400 Microsoft® Points.
Game Features
- Authentic to the original game, "Root Beer Tapper" on Xbox Live Arcade brings you a classic favorite.
- Take on a bar full of thirsty folks in "Root Beer Tapper" and see if you can keep their mugs full.
- Grab the empty mugs before they slide off the bar.
- Earn extra points by collecting tips.
- Locate and open the one can that has not been shaken up and serve it up to waiting patrons in the bonus rounds.
- Enjoy high-definition support for detailed graphics.
- Play either locally or over Xbox Live* in co-op or versus modes.
- Have your scores posted on the Xbox Live Leaderboard. High scores are tracked for the current week and also for all-time arcade, co-op and versus game modes.
- Earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 gamerscore points.
Where Can I Get It?
You can download "Root Beer Tapper" beginning Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 1 a.m. PST on Xbox Live Arcade.
"Root Beer Tapper" is rated E for Everyone.
More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
2-05-2007 @ 4:42PM
J.Goodwin said...
Bah.
At least we theoretically shouldn't have to wait more than two weeks for a real game at this point.
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2-05-2007 @ 4:49PM
ladron87 said...
I hope this is not glimse in to the future of XBLA.
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2-05-2007 @ 5:01PM
beardsly43 said...
where the f is Worms.
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2-05-2007 @ 5:06PM
Jon said...
Where the eff is worms is effin right. I want some hot worm on worm an annihilation!!
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2-05-2007 @ 5:15PM
dutch726 said...
This is a travesty. They had some real gems to choose from (Worms, Catan, Castlevania). It has been since Small Arms that I bought XBLA game. Does Microsoft want my money? I am ready to buy when a good game comes out.
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2-05-2007 @ 5:16PM
Edge of Blade said...
Lamest Arcade Release EVER. I wanted something new or Worms, not MORE retro bullshit. For once, I wish I had a Wii so I could catch Super Mario World and Zelda: LttP.
Stop lallygagging Microsoft. Your "certification" is nothing more than a controlled release queue and that is becoming much more apparent.
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2-05-2007 @ 5:17PM
Craig Ravitch said...
You know if this continues I see a real bad future for XBLA. From having an empty 2 weeks and to now follow with a lame A$$ title like this is wrong!! Thanks for nothing XBLA!!
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2-05-2007 @ 5:20PM
AoE said...
I'm waiting for the modern remake, Vein Tapper...
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2-05-2007 @ 5:31PM
Arno said...
I want my Worms!
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2-05-2007 @ 6:05PM
polly said...
Every XBLA dev out there should be breathing down Microsoft's neck to hurry up and effin release Worms. Because all that's going to happen for every week that passes is everyone and their mom taking it out on the new arcade release of the week (ie Root Beer Tapper ... wtf?) and saying they need to hurry the fug up and release Worms.
Also, WTF, where is Worms?
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2-05-2007 @ 6:05PM
John said...
Seriously...wtf. If I want retro, I'll buy a wii. It's going to be embarassing when free xna games outdo the xbla games.
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2-05-2007 @ 6:13PM
Bennyishere said...
As long as the GOOD games like Worms and Castlevania are well on their way, I'm not so pissed they released a game not worthy the electrons it uses..
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2-05-2007 @ 6:51PM
Tomas said...
dude, Tapper is still a pretty darn badass game with frantic gameplay. seriously. lookin' forward to it.
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2-05-2007 @ 7:13PM
DanITMan said...
This is a great classic that will bring back many C64 memories.
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2-05-2007 @ 8:05PM
What The Geek said...
Microsoft,
if you're going to give us retro titles, at least make them the retro evolved titles promised back in November... anyone else remember that?
MS is making mistakes....
http://whatthegeek.com/2007/02/02/broken-promises-or-how-to-blow-a-headstart-microsoft-style/
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2-05-2007 @ 8:23PM
Toph said...
CastleVania and Alien Hominid, NOW, XBLA. Been waiting since August for SOTN...stop teasing me. I've never played Worms but perhaps after I buy all of the CastleVania downloads I'll look into it. I own Tapper on a compilation disc on PS2 and I don't need Achievements on it.
Can't wait to see SOTN in HD, so rush it out!!!!
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2-05-2007 @ 8:46PM
Toph said...
I suggest nobody download demos of ANY XBLA games they don't plan to purchase. Send a message to Microsoft that we're tired of Intellivision games on our expensive systems and we're tired of being teased with killer titles (CastleVania for me, Worms and etc apparently for others).
Also let's get Namco out of the XBLA buisness altogether unless Katamari Damacy would head our way sometime soon.
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2-06-2007 @ 1:01AM
offday said...
I want worms as much as you guys, but still why is everyone mad about Root Beer Tapper? This game rocks.
You guys complain about this, yet everyone was excited when Ms. Pac-man came out? I don't care what anyone says, Pac-man and Ms. Pac-man are the same freaking games.
Stop crying about it. If you don't want the game, then don't buy it. I know I'll be enjoying it.
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2-06-2007 @ 3:20AM
Handlotion said...
root....
beer....
tapper....
Oh come on MS pull a finger out!
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2-06-2007 @ 3:47AM
Burnt Meatloaf said...
Here are some games that should see remakes:
Wing War (Coleco Vision)
Infestation (the old one for the Amiga)
H.E.R.O (Atari version)
Stunt Car Racer (HELL YES!)
Burning Rubber aka Bump & Jump (C64 version)
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